Let's talk about fuel-efficient driving in a post-subsidy economy

It's been a tug of war since Nigeria got a new president on the 29th of May, 2023, with respect to Premium Motor Spirit, aka petrol/gasoline. During his inaugural speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the immediate removal of 'petroleum subsidies'. Since then, it's been one hell of a ride as far as the economy is concerned.

Here is a bit of an explanation for those who may not understand what petroleum subsidies mean. Even though Nigeria is a crude oil producer, the country depends 100% on the importation of petroleum products. Thus, the landing cost per liter of each petroleum product is dictated by the rate of exchange of the Nigerian Naira to the United States dollar. For some years now, everyone knows that the Naira has been in freefall against the dollar. This is why the government had to introduce a petroleum subsidy regime so that Nigerians will not have to pay through their nose for petroleum products.

But it became a cash cow for some influential businessmen and personalities in high places within the country. Millions of liters of already subsidized petroleum products are smuggled out of the country and diverted to the neighboring countries, where they are sold at a much higher price. The implication is that the bulk of the financial resources that are supposed to be channeled into developing the country is going into the hands of a few individuals.

Where the sinners suffer, the righteous often end up having a taste.

With the removal of the petroleum subsidies, the price of PMS particularly has more than tripled. In Nigeria, more than 95% of the vehicles on the road are powered by PMS (this could be arguably more or less. In addition, unstable electricity within the country implies that many industries and households depend on PMS to power generators for electricity generation. This will give my readers an idea of what the multiplier effects of removing the subsidies would be like both on individuals and on the economy in general.

Now coming down to a personal level, as a Nigerian living in Nigeria, and a car owner, things have not remained the same financially since the petroleum subsidies have been removed. Apart from the fact that prices of goods, foods, and services have skyrocketed, being able to drive a car for everyday activities has become financially unsustainable. Hence, you can imagine my curiosity when I saw a post on Twitter titled, "How to save 85% of fuel while driving".

If I can save 85% of fuel while driving, then I may not have to worry about the cost of fueling my car again. Without even thinking about the logicality of the claim, I dived into reading the content:

• check and make sure the engine oil gauges
• check the radiator and make sure the coolant's level is okay
• check the tire pressure to make sure that they are okay
• turn on the ignition and allow the car idle for about 30 seconds
• switch off the ignition and keep the key somewhere safe
• Go outside and take public transport to your destination.

What an anticlimax! The writer really got me in the first half.

^{source: pexel}

As a Nigerian car owner navigating this challenging landscape, fuel-efficient driving has become a beacon of hope in these trying times. Saving 85% of fuel may seem like an audacious claim, but hey, as the saying goes, "where there's a will, there's a fuel-efficient way!"

From investigations, the following tips have been found to be helpful, although they may not save 85% of your fuel:

1. Master the Art of Zen Driving:

Think of yourself as a Zen master behind the wheel. Embrace calm and steady driving. Avoid aggressive acceleration and sudden braking as if you're seeking enlightenment on the open road. In other words, smooth driving reduces fuel consumption and keeps your wallet blissfully content. More on that can be found here.

2. Coasting Like a Feather:

Imagine your car as a delicate feather dancing with the wind. Utilize the art of coasting down hills and slopes, letting gravity be your co-pilot. It's like gliding through a serene fuel-saving symphony!

3. Unleash the Power of Drafting:

You're not a race car driver, but you can harness the drafting technique to save fuel. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, tapping into its slipstream like a savvy strategist. Fuel efficiency and road safety - now that's a winning combo!

4. Taming Your Inner Speed Demon:

Speed demons, take a chill pill! Embrace a moderate and responsible speed, like a majestic cheetah on a leisurely stroll. Not only will you be saving fuel, but you'll also avoid unwanted speeding tickets! OOpsie, we don't do that in Nigeria - yet. Except, perhaps if you are in Lag, and or Abj.

5. Slim Down Your Car's Waistline:

Your car needs a diet, and it starts in the trunk! Shed unnecessary weight, bid farewell to those roof racks, and your car will feel lighter than a feather. You'll be zooming away with a newfound fuel efficiency! In other words, the heavier your car is, the more fuel that would be required to keep it moving. That's a lesson on the law of conservation of energy. If you think I'm bluffing, you can read this post. Perhaps you will be more convinced.

6. Tune Up Like a Rock Star:

Your car's engine deserves a rock-star treatment! Regular maintenance, like a stellar performance, improves fuel efficiency. Spark plugs, air filters, and tire pressure - they all play their part in your car's fuel-fueled success story! Spend on maintenance so as not to overspend on fuel. Are you convinced on that or you need further information?

7. The Stop-Start Dance:

No, it's not a party dance move. Think of it as a rhythmic stop-start performance. When idle for more than a minute, switch off your engine like a temporary intermission. It's like giving your car a refreshing break, saving fuel, and impressing your eco-friendly pals! That reminds me, the developed countries owe Nigeria for a significant reduction in their carbon footprint through subsidy removal.

Tl:Dr

So there you have it, fuel warriors of Nigeria! With Fuel-Fu driving skills in your arsenal, you can navigate the post-subsidy era with confidence and panache. While the nation's economic battles continue, fuel-efficient driving empowers you to take charge of your fuel consumption and contribute to a greener future.

As you embark on this fuel-efficient journey, remember that every drop of fuel saved is a testament to your driving prowess and environmental consciousness. So buckle up, hit the road with determination, and show the world that fuel-efficient driving is not just a technique; it's a heroic quest for a sustainable tomorrow!

What do you think?

Note: Some info used in this article were sourced from Chatgpt.